Tasmania Police will use drones and trail bikes to target dangerous drivers in two Hobart suburbs plagued by persistent hooning problems.
Operation Full Stop began today in Risdon Vale and Clarendon Vale, where locals have long complained about reckless driving.
Inspector Andrew Keane said police would be zeroing in on known hot spots with targeted patrols, intelligence-led enforcement and community engagement.
“It’s really no different to firing a bullet down a street hoping you won’t hit anyone,” he said.
“Residents are well and truly sick and tired of the behaviour and some of them are understandably quite concerned for their safety.”
Keane said he has seen the impact hooning has had across the state in recent years, including resulting in people being killed.
“Those who think hooning is some sort of fun cool activity. It’s not,” he said.
“My message is simple. If you hoon and we detect you, you will lose your car.”
Acting Inspector Penny Reardon said the extra resources would give police the edge to “catch offenders in the act”.
“By combining uniform and road policing resources … we’re able to focus enforcement where it’s needed most,” she said.
